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Alumni Across the Decades

Compiled by Luann (Zanke ’78) Gilliland

Donald R. Donell 

Class of 1950 

Major: Political Science

Nickname: Buff

Fraternity: Alpha Phi Delta

Home: Weirton, West Virginia

Don attended the College of Steubenville because of its close proximity to his home and because the school was run by the Franciscans. He remembers attending classes in Walker’s Cafe and the smell of cigarette smoke lingering in the air. He also remembers when Dr. John Carrigg was a brand-new teacher. After college, he practiced law for 16 years as a prosecuting attorney then became CEO of Starvaggi Industries where he still works today.

Rose DeFede 

Class of 1960

Major: Education and Business

Home: Wellsburg, West Virginia

Rose attended as a commuter from Wellsburg, West Virginia, and a member of the Secular Order of St. Francis. After graduation, Rose continued on as an employee here in various positions including: controller, director of Alumni, and director of Community Relations. She currently works as the director of Community Development representing the school to many Steubenville organizations such as the United Way and Urban Mission Ministries. Rose also oversees the University’s art collection, which is housed in the Tony and Nina Gentile Gallery of the J. C. Williams Center. Her hobbies and interests include writing poetry, music, painting, and sewing.

Mike Monaco

Class of 1970

Major: Business Administration

Fraternity: Lambda Chi Alpha

Home: St. Louis, Missouri

Mike chose the College of Steubenville because it provided a good Catholic education in a small school environment and because it was highly recommended by a friend. After college, he served in Vietnam, and then spent 26 years working for Eveready Battery Company in various positions of sales and management. Through his volunteer activities with the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, Missouri, Mike turned his avocation into a second career as director of Rail Transit Business for a national transportation products company. This has him heavily involved in the green movement. Other volunteer interests have included: scouting, CCD classes, church finance committees, and homeowner boards.

John Kehoe

Class of 1970

Major: Business Administration

Fraternity: Lambda Chi Alpha

Home: Somerset, New Jersey

John found the College of Steubenville through a college placement center. He met his wife, Elyse Herbert, Class of 1969, in college, and they married in 1972. John currently is the EVP/COO for Pro Line Manufacturing, which produces footwear, hunting boots, and fishing and hunting waders. John’s other interests include marathon running and triathlons.

Debbie (Burns) Frazier

Class of 1980

Major: Elementary Education, K-8

Households: Daughters of Jerusalem, Resuscito

Home: Amarillo, Texas

Debbie discovered the College of Steubenville through her parents who were involved in the charismatic renewal. After college, she went to Germany and taught in the Department of Defense schools in Stuttgart. She met her husband, Dusty, there, and they married in 1981. She also taught preschool in Massachusetts for a while and has homeschooled her children for over 20 years. Of her 12 children, 3 have attended Franciscan University of Steubenville. Debbie currently serves on the diocesan school board and enjoys a variety of arts and crafts, playing guitar and singing, along with hiking and camping.

Originally published in the Spring 2008 Baronette newsletter. Since then, Rose DeFede and Don Donnell have passed away. May they rest in peace.